For immediate release
May 5, 2017 - Congratulations to Red Earth Creek School’s (RECS) grade five student, Jessica Thomas who was chosen by the board of trustees as the winner of Peace River School Division’s (PRSD) Pink Shirt Day student t-shirt design contest.

“We rise by lifting others” is the theme of Jessica’s design that illustrates a heart shaped earth with people rising from the top. When asked what inspired the design, Jessica says,

"I made the earth as a heart with people on the top because people should love each other and not bully" says Jessica. "I chose 'we rise by lifting others' because if we help others, it also helps to lift ourselves."

In addition to having her design represent PRSD and being worn by hundreds of students and staff, Jessica won an iPad and was presented with the contest prize along with a pink shirt printed with her design during a surprise assembly held yesterday afternoon at RECS. PRSD Trustee Sherry Crawford presented Jessica with the contest prize and shared the board’s comments on her design.

“The board really liked the theme you chose and your design went perfectly with it” says Crawford. “We do rise by lifting others and we are happy with the inspiring message your Pink Shirt Day t-shirt design sends. We are very proud to have your design represent Peace River School Division for years to come.”

The contest was launched in late February and was open to all students in PRSD. Schools usually purchase Pink Shirt Day t-shirts from outside vendors and in December of 2016, school principals and management discussed the value of having a student created design. Trustees judged the design entries on April 18, 2017 with the intention to present the contest winner with their prize during Mental Health Awareness Week.